A new strategy using vaccines to fight blood cancer, which affects more than 19,000 Australians each year, is being tested.
More than 50 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancer every day and there are no early detection programs available, meaning many more remain undiagnosed.
Now, in clinical trials, researchers have developed a dual strategy to develop a new type of immunotherapy that promises to be more potent in destroying cancer cells. New treatment for blood cancer tested (9News)
It involves increasing the number of immune cells, called iNKT, that are depleted in cancer patients.
“Combining this therapy along with the type of immunotherapy is showing significant effectiveness,” said Mika Casey, QIMR Berghofer’s senior research assistant.
The five-year survival rate for blood cancer in Australia is about 70%, which has led to this new research on treatment.
“It’s important to keep finding new ways to improve,” Casey said.
Bernadette Savonoff was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer. (9 News)
When the mother of four, Bernadette Savonoff, experienced constant fatigue, she was surprised to discover the sinister cause: myeloma.
“I was completely tired and of course after I had a blood test I had anemia, the blood wasn’t forming properly,” Savonoff said.
The 48-year-old received chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in 2019, but there is a risk of relapse.
“We’re still looking for a cure or something that will definitely take him away,” he said.
Savonoff is excited about testing new treatments for the disease (9News)
Savonoff is excited about the prospect of new treatment and ongoing research for the disease.
“We’re looking for answers, we really need answers,” Savonoff said.
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